A photo diary of my individual or volunteer hikes/patrols on Old Rag Mountain.
Note 1: My writings are personal expressions and should not be taken as official positions of any of the organizations I have volunteered for.
Note 2: Double click pictures for higher resolution.
Note 3: Clicking on any of the labels in the Labels List will bring up blog posts labeled with that label.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

ON THE LAST WEEKEND IN FEBRUARY

ICY CONDITIONS ARE LIKELY

Please see the attached forecast for SNP above 2,000 feet. This forecast would indicate there likely will be icy conditions on OLD RAG Mountain this weekend. Taking micro-traction devices (Yaktrax, STABLicers, Microspikes, ICEtrekkers, Cat Tracks, Trail Crampons...) would be recommended.

Monday, February 22, 2016

HEY NEWBIES TO SNP AND SHOULDER SEASON OR WINTER COLD WEATHER HIKING. PLEASE CONSIDER CARRYING MICRO-TRACTION EQUIPMENT (YAKTRAX, MICROSPIKES). ALSO PLEASE CARRY ENOUGH WARM GEAR SO YOU CAN STAY WARM FOR SEVERAL HOURS IF YOU SUSTAIN AN INJURY THAT CAUSES YOU TO BE UNABLE TO WALK. BE ADVENTURESOME. HAVE A GOOD TIME BUT PLEASE DO NOT SET YOURSELF UP FOR THE CASCADE OF A BROKEN ANKLE LEADING TO SERIOUS HYPOTHERMIA BECASUSE OF YOUR LACK OF PREPARING FOR THE RISKS. JUST BECAUSE THE SUBURBS HAVE NO SNOW AND 60 DEGREE WEATHER DURING THE DAY DOES NOT MEAN HIGHER ELEVATIONS MAY NOT HAVE ICE AND LOW 40 DEGREE TEMPERATURES!

Washington temperatures were in the 60's so of course Old Rag had a full parking lot. There were lots of folks starting out prepared for their Spring like hike who found they had to turn around at the first false summit because there was lots of ice coating the scrambles rocks. In the parking lot I saw lots of folks starting in shorts. Most had sneakers on but some had sandals and one had flip flops.

The classic large group bridge shot.

Signs of Springs approach.

Weakley Hollow from just above CCC stairs.

This group of three coming down the saddle trail was typical of those that I saw. Keep in mind I only saw the 20-30 percent of the hikers who did not turn back.

The following video gives a slight idea of what it is like to negotiate icy trails without micro traction devices on your feet.